By-Product Silver

Silver produced alongside a different primary metal, usually lead, zinc or copper.

Definition

Silver recovered as a secondary metal during the processing of ores primarily mined for other metals such as gold, copper, lead, or zinc. Most silver production globally comes from by-product operations rather than primary silver mines.

Why it matters

Most of the world's silver arrives this way, which means silver supply responds to base metal economics rather than to the silver price. It is the main reason silver supply is slow to react to a rally.

See also

  • Primary Silver Producer A mining company where silver is the principal metal produced and accounts for the majority of revenue, as opp
  • Polymetallic Deposit A mineral deposit containing economically significant quantities of two or more metals, such as copper-gold, z
  • Silver Streaming Agreement A financing arrangement where a mining company receives upfront capital in exchange for the right to purchase

More operations terms